About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Nursery Area Manager to lead our settled and vibrant early years setting. The successful candidate will be a strong leader with a genuine passion for providing outstanding care and education for young children, alongside excellent organisational, managerial, and communication skills.
You will be responsible for the overall management of the nursery, ensuring that the highest standards of care, education, safety, and compliance are consistently maintained in line with Ofsted requirements and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and Management
- Provide effective leadership, guidance, and support to all staff to ensure a positive, nurturing, and professional working environment.
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the nursery, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and statutory requirements.
- Manage staff performance through regular supervision, appraisals, and training, fostering a culture of professional growth and accountability.
- Safeguarding and Welfare
- Take full responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within the setting, ensuring all staff understand and follow safeguarding procedures.
- Maintain up-to-date safeguarding training and act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or support the DSL team.
- Ensure children’s health, safety, and wellbeing are prioritised at all times.
- Quality and Compliance
- Ensure the nursery consistently meets and exceeds Ofsted standards, preparing for inspections and maintaining accurate records and documentation.
- Lead the continuous development and implementation of the EYFS curriculum, supporting staff in planning and delivering stimulating and age-appropriate activities.
- Monitor and evaluate teaching and learning to maintain a high standard of care and education.
- Communication and Partnership
- Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, carers, and external agencies including Health Visitors, Social Workers, and local authorities.
- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and trust.
- Represent the nursery in a professional manner at all times, promoting its values and reputation within the community.
- Recruitment and HR
- Lead recruitment efforts, ensuring safer recruitment practices are followed in line with regulatory standards.
- Manage staff rotas, absences, and training schedules to ensure appropriate staffing levels at all times.
- Support team morale, retention, and professional development.
- Operational and Financial Management
- Oversee the nursery’s operational and administrative functions, including enrolments, record-keeping, and health and safety compliance.
- Work with senior management or owners to monitor budgets, occupancy levels, and financial targets.
- Identify opportunities for growth, efficiency, and improvement within the setting.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Minimum Level 3 in Childcare and Education (or equivalent qualification).
- At least 2 years’ experience in a managerial or deputy manager role within an early years setting.
- Strong and current knowledge of Ofsted requirements, EYFS framework, and safeguarding legislation.
- Proven experience working with external agencies such as health visitors, social workers, and local authorities.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Sound understanding of health and safety procedures and safer recruitment practices.
Desirable:
- Level 3 qualification or higher in Early Years Leadership or Management.
- Experience managing a vibrant nursery (50+ places).
- Paediatric First Aid and Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
Personal Attributes
- Warm, approachable, and confident leader with a child-centred ethos.
- Highly motivated, reliable, and able to work well under pressure.
- Exceptional interpersonal and team-building skills.
- Committed to professional development and continuous improvement.
- Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-related bonuses.
- Supportive management structure.
- Opportunities for ongoing training and career progression.
- A welcoming, inclusive, and diverse working environment.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £37,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Manchester, Greater Manchester: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Day nursery manager : 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 plus Childcare Qualification (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
